When Toe Blake took charge behind the bench of the Montreal Canadiens in 1955-56, he introduced Claude Provost to the club's star-studded roster on the basis of his aggressive and hard-working approach to checking opponents. His peculiar, wide-stance style of skating concealed surprising speed. One observer humorously noted that when he hit the ice, he looked like a drunken sailor walking on a ship's deck during a hurricane. But however awkward he appeared, he used his hustle to good end, serving as Bobby Hull's shadow throughout the 1960s.

In addition to superb defensive play in the company of Andre Pronovost and Phil Goyette, Provost made steady improvements to his offensive game as the years progressed. In 1964-65, he was voted a First-Team All-Star on the strength of his team- leading 33 goals.

Having lasted with the Canadiens for 15 seasons meant that Provost was not left wanting for his name to be etched on the Stanley Cup. All told, he enjoyed nine league championships, including a record five in a row between 1956 and 1960. He also appeared in eleven All-Star games.

Toward the end of his career in 1968, he was awarded the first-ever Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy as the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

In 1971, Provost's rights were traded to the L.A. Kings, although by then he had already hung up the blades to coach the Rosemont Nationale of the QJHL.